Lightpath Expands AI-Grade Network Footprint in Greater Columbus

Rhea-AI Summary

Lightpath (NYSE:ATUS) announced an expansion of its AI-grade network in Greater Columbus, Ohio, adding approximately 150 route miles of high-density fiber and more than doubling its regional fiber footprint. Engineering and phased construction are underway with route completion beginning end of 2026 through mid-2027. The build combines underground multi-conduit systems and high-count fiber to support metro and regional long-haul AI deployments.

This expands Lightpath's Midwest presence, complements recent Phoenix and Eastern Pennsylvania projects, and leverages a recent low-latency route acquisition between NYC and Ashburn, VA.

Positive

• 150 route miles of high-density fiber added
• Regional fiber footprint more than doubled
• Phased route completion starting end of 2026 through mid-2027
• Supports connectivity to nearly 200 data centers
• Links to nationwide AI corridors including NYC–Ashburn route

Negative

• None.

Insights

Infrastructure Strategist

Lightpath more than doubles Columbus fiber footprint, accelerating AI data‑center connectivity across the Midwest.

The project adds approximately 150 route miles of high‑density fiber and more than doubles the prior regional footprint, extending underground multi‑conduit and high‑count capacity that supports both metro and regional long‑haul links. This materially increases physical supply of fiber that hyperscale and large enterprise customers require for dense AI workloads.

Key dependencies include timely completion of phased construction from end of year 2026 through mid-2027 and actual take‑rates from new AI data center deployments; delays or lower demand would reduce near‑term utility. Integration with existing corridors (NYC–Ashburn and other announced markets) increases the strategic value only if routes interconnect as planned.

Watch construction milestones and commercial commitments over the next 12–24 months; monitor route completion dates and any announced customer on‑ramps by mid-2027. These items will determine whether the expanded footprint converts into measurable revenue and utilization.

Network Economics Analyst

The expansion strengthens Midwest network supply for AI workloads but converts to financial impact only with customer adoption.

Adding high-count fiber and dense metro systems increases potential revenue per route if large customers sign capacity agreements. The success‑based expansion model implies Lightpath scales capital deployment in response to demand signals, which helps control upfront capital intensity.

Risks include construction cost execution and timing against customer deployment schedules; without disclosed contracts or financial figures, impact on cash flow and margins is unclear. Track concrete customer agreements, utilization metrics, and any announced pricing or capacity reservations over the next 12–18 months to assess financial effects.

Given the facts presented, this is a strategically positive infrastructure development that requires follow‑through on commercial conversion to be materially financial.

Project strengthens Lightpath's leadership in delivering ultra-high scale fiber infrastructure required to connect multiple new AI data center deployments in the Columbus region.

NEW YORK, Dec. 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Lightpath, an all-fiber, infrastructure-based connectivity provider that is revolutionizing how organizations connect to their digital destinations, announced the expansion of its AI-grade network in Greater Columbus, Ohio. This latest project adds approximately 150 route miles of high-density fiber to the initial network announced earlier this year, more than doubling Lightpath's fiber footprint across the region.

This success-based expansion reinforces Lightpath's growing presence in the Midwest and its strategy to deliver the next generation of network infrastructure purpose-built for AI-driven workloads. Engineering and construction are already underway, with a phased route construction completion beginning end of year 2026 through mid-2027.

"Columbus is well established as a leading U.S. destination for data center and AI investment," said Chris Morley, CEO of Lightpath. "Our continued expansion in this market reflects both the scale of hyperscale demand and Lightpath's commitment to meeting it with proven quality, speed and agility."

Lightpath's Greater Columbus network builds on their recent announcements in Phoenix and Eastern Pennsylvania as well as its acquisition of a unique, low latency, high-count route between NYC and Ashburn, VA, advancing the company's nationwide initiative to interconnect key AI and hyperscale corridors. The expanded network combines new underground, multi-conduit systems with high-count fiber capacity designed to support both metro and regional long-haul applications.

"By expanding our fiber footprint in Columbus, we're strengthening Lightpath's position as a trusted partner to hyperscale, carrier, and large enterprise customers across the region," said Tim Haverkate, EVP of Major Infrastructure Solutions, Lightpath. "This expansion sets the stage for continued growth and new AI-grade connectivity opportunities throughout the Midwest."

Lightpath now operates dense metro and regional fiber systems across major U.S. markets including New York, New Jersey, southeast Connecticut, Boston, Northern Virginia, Phoenix, Eastern Pennsylvania, Miami and Columbus—connecting nearly 200 data centers enabling next-generation workloads across the AI economy.

About Lightpath

Lightpath is revolutionizing how customers connect to their digital destinations by combining our next-generation network with our next-generation customer service. Lightpath's advanced fiber-optic network offers a comprehensive portfolio of custom-engineered connectivity solutions with unparalleled performance, reliability, and security. Our consultative customer service means we work with you to design, deliver, and support the solution for your unique needs, faster and more easily than ever before. For over 30 years, thousands of enterprises, governments, and educators have trusted Lightpath to power their organization's innovation. Lightpath is jointly owned by Altice USA (NYSE: ATUS) and Morgan Stanley Infrastructure Partners.

To learn how Lightpath can connect you to your digital destinations, visit lightpathfiber.com

For media inquiries:

JSA for Lightpath

1-866-695-3629 ext. 13

jsa_lightpath@jsa.net

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SOURCE Lightpath

FAQ

What did Lightpath (ATUS) announce on December 2, 2025 about Columbus?

Lightpath announced an expansion adding about 150 route miles of AI-grade fiber in Greater Columbus, more than doubling its regional footprint.

When will Lightpath's Columbus routes be completed for ATUS investors?

Engineering is underway with phased route construction completion beginning end of 2026 through mid-2027.

How does the Columbus expansion affect Lightpath's network reach for ATUS?

The build adds high-count fiber and underground multi-conduit systems, strengthening regional and long-haul AI connectivity across the Midwest.

Does the Columbus project tie into Lightpath's other network investments for ATUS?

Yes; it complements recent Phoenix and Eastern Pennsylvania projects and a low-latency route acquisition between NYC and Ashburn, VA.

How many data centers does Lightpath connect that support AI workloads?

Lightpath now connects nearly 200 data centers across its dense metro and regional fiber systems.